Are axles interchangeable?

**bullard123** · 02-22-2005, 11:35 AM

Well its about time for me to replace the axles on my hatch but I can't find any in the local junkyard. Are the axles interchangeable? Has anyone replace them recently?? This clicking noise is about to drive me crazy.

**danronian** · 02-22-2005, 03:26 PM

Don't go with j/y axles! You will never know until you put them on if they are already clicking or not. On top of that, the rubber boots could rip as soon as you turn the wheel if the car hasn't been driven in a long time and the things are dry rotted. Axles are only about $65 or less per side for the OEM type replacements, the prob is that they will charge you about $120 per side until they give you about half back when you take in the old axles as cores to be rebuilt. They are real easy to replace, but there is two hard parts. 1st is breaking the nut loose that bolts on the axle, the second is getting your lower ball joint apart (it has actually been a few years since I did this so I am 90% sure you need to take the lower ball joint apart, but to be sure just consult the honda repair manual that we have free here online). After that it's all easy but before that it sucks.

**phrenology** · 02-22-2005, 03:39 PM

If you have trouble with the nut on the end of an axle find someone with an impact wrench and compressor, don't overspin it but you may need the initial jolt of torque to break it free. If you can afford it definately go with rebuilt or new driveshafts. You can also rebuild your old ones if the splines are good, but you'll have to get dirty and buy a boot rebuild kit. With the time you'll spend removing them you'll be happier with new ones. Don't forget to get a flathead screwdriver to release the snap rings at the inboard (engine end) shaft seats out. Good luck!

**bullard123** · 02-22-2005, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I seen a pair on ebay for $45 each. So I'll just go with those. As for the installation it sounds like I will be able to do it. If not I'll have to take it to the shop. My CV boots are torn also so I'll just kill 2 birds with one stone on this one. But are the axles the same on all 3 gee models?

**hondamanlxi** · 02-22-2005, 05:57 PM

no i think a/t ones maybe different.

**Mac** · 02-22-2005, 06:21 PM

Yep, one side is different. It depends on if you have a 5 speed or auto.

**danronian** · 02-22-2005, 06:28 PM

Ebay will probably cost you more in shipping since they are big and heavy. ANY parts store should carry them for the same price and probably cheaper. Napa and National Auto put lifetime warranties on their reman. axles, that is why I bought Napa brands. I would recommend getting a decent brand of rebuilt axles b/c you don't want to replace them in only a few years (that is if your car is stock in the performance dept, otherwise you will probably be replacing them every year or so).

**vongiese** · 02-22-2005, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by danronian

Ebay will probably cost you more in shipping since they are big and heavy. ANY parts store should carry them for the same price and probably cheaper. Napa and National Auto put lifetime warranties on their reman. axles, that is why I bought Napa brands. I would recommend getting a decent brand of rebuilt axles b/c you don't want to replace them in only a few years (that is if your car is stock in the performance dept, otherwise you will probably be replacing them every year or so).

Buy axels local! It'll cost a fortune to send your used axel BACK for the core deposit refund....these things get re-built.
Good advice on quality parts (if yer gonna keep it for a while) but i've noticed NAPA parts slipping in quality.

good luck